A hardstone filigree gilt-copper alloy figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, Nepal, 15th / 16th century

European Private Collection, acquired in 1982.

Carlton Rochell, New York.

The finely cast fire-gilded Buddha with channels in the hem of the monastic robe inset with appliqué silver filigree and gem-set rosettes. Flowers above the ears and a jewelled pendant suspended from the gathered robe-end at the shoulder are similarly inset with silver filigree and gems. The type of appliqué is not common on cast images from the region but does appear on a 14th century Nepalese gilt copper Buddha and a 15th or 16th century Nepalese gilt copper Manjukumara, both in the Berti Aschmann Collection at Museum Rietberg, see Helmut Uhlig, On the Path to Enlightenment, 1995, cat. nos. 28 and 63.